The Energy Independence and Security Act
What it is:The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) is new legislation that will regulate, among several other things, the efficiency of motors that can be legally bought and sold in the United States. When it takes effect:EISA goes into effect December 19, 2010. Mark your calendar: Motors manufactured after this date and falling under EISA categories must comply with EISA guidelines. |
|
One source for the Copper Development Association recommends a proactive approach to compliance.
What it means to you:
EISA has far-reaching implications for many industries — with 300 pages worth of goals and mandates, and new laws to increase the efficiency of a wider range of motors than ever before. More specifically, the law affects all engineers that specify or purchase electric motors, as well as those responsible for motor-powered plant operations. In some cases, the physical size and design of motors are also affected.
Considering a workaround? Though EISA does allow rewinding and repairing of motors already in use, it’s not widely recommended.
Where to get more information:
As the EISA deadline approaches, we will expand this webpage to answer pressing concerns surrounding the upcoming requirements and rule changes.
Other resources:
More information on EISA 2010 and related global legislation and standards is available from WEG Electric Corp.
A Motion System Design article on this topic by LEESON that explains the legislation preceding EISA 2010, plus the coming standard's implications
Machine Design editor Leland Teschler covered EISA’s initial passing in a 2008 article.
Energy Efficiency and Technology magazine offers several articles on EISA.
Energy Efficiency and Technology magazine also covers other efficiency-related legislation.
A PDF from Baldor that details which motors must meet EISA guidelines, as well as their EISA initiatives
Are you wondering which motors are covered by EISA and which aren’t? You’re not alone. A no-nonsense flowchart from Baldor Electric Co. makes clear the motors that will be impacted by changes in the law, and those that are exempt…for now. Check it out here.
The website of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association
Why was this act passed?
The statistics are staggering. Industrial electrical motors:
- Consume about 65% of generated electrical energy
- Account for up to 75% of total electricity costs in industrial plants
- Use 50% of total electricity consumed by commercial buildings.
In addition, the annual cost of operating an electric motor can reach 25 times its purchase cost. For these reasons, placing more stringent requirements on electrical-motor efficiencies will save huge amounts of energy over the long term.
EISA History:
EISA was passed by Congress and signed into law December 19, 2007, and builds on the previous Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), updating mandated efficiency standards for general-purpose, three-phase ac industrial motors from 1 to 500 hp that are manufactured for sale in the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy is responsible for establishing rules to implement and enforce EPAct.
Related Articles |
ToolsMotor Decisions Matter is a national public-awareness campaign sponsored by a consortium of electric utilities, industry trade associations, and others. MDM and its sponsoring organizations provide support for companies interested in motor management. Visit the group and download their Motor Planning Kit. Premium-efficiency motors are only one part of the drivetrain — and SEW Eurodrive's http://www.sewmotortruth.com/ shows how and why. This site features a variety of tools, downloads, and links to help engineers see the effects that changing various parts of the drivetrain have on energy savings. |
